Atlanta Motor Speedway

Track Info

Location	Hampton, Georgia
Type	Quad-Oval (Intermediate / Superspeedway-style)
Length	1.54 miles (2.478 km)
Banking	28 degrees in turns, 4 degrees on frontstretch, 4 degrees on backstretch
Surface	Asphalt (repaved and reconfigured 2022)
Capacity	~71,000
Opened	1960

Track Characteristics

Atlanta Motor Speedway underwent a dramatic transformation in 2022 when the track was completely repaved and the racing surface was narrowed to promote superspeedway-style pack racing. The result is a 1.54-mile track that races like Daytona and Talladega, with tight packs, heavy drafting, and wild finishes. The 28-degree banking combined with the smooth new surface keeps cars glued together in large groups.

Before the repave, Atlanta was known for its wide, worn-out surface that produced excellent multi-groove racing. The old Atlanta was a driver favorite, with its bumpy, abrasive surface chewing up tires and creating natural separation. The new configuration has been divisive among fans, but there is no question that it has produced some of the most dramatic finishes in recent NASCAR history.

The quad-oval shape gives the track a distinctive look, with a subtle bump in the frontstretch that provides fans in the main grandstand with excellent sightlines. Located about 30 miles south of downtown Atlanta, the speedway has been a staple of the NASCAR schedule since 1960.

Getting There

Nearest Airport	Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) - approximately 30 miles north. One of the busiest airports in the world with flights from everywhere.
Nearest City	Hampton, GA. Downtown Atlanta is about 35-40 minutes north via I-75.

Series That Race Here

• NASCAR Cup Series - Two races per year
• NASCAR Xfinity Series
• NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

2026 NASCAR Event Info

Spring Race	Ambetter Health 400
Spring Date	February 22, 2026
TV	FOX

Track Records

Qualifying Record (New)	Records being set on the reconfigured layout (post-2022)
Qualifying Record (Old)	Geoffrey Bodine - 197.478 mph (1997)

Notable Past Races

• 1992 Hooters 500: The final race of the 1992 season at Atlanta decided the championship between six drivers, featured Richard Petty's final career start, and saw Jeff Gordon make his Cup debut. Bill Elliott won the race while Alan Kulwicki clinched the title.
• 2001 Cracker Barrel 500: Kevin Harvick won by inches over Jeff Gordon in a photo finish just three weeks after Dale Earnhardt's death, providing a cathartic moment for the grieving sport.
• 2022 Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500: The first race on the new reconfigured track delivered a wild, wreck-filled superspeedway-style event with William Byron taking the win.
• 2024: Daniel Suarez won a thrilling pack-racing finish, validating the new track layout with an exciting last-lap battle.

Track Facts

• The 2022 reconfiguration narrowed the racing surface from 55 feet to 40 feet and added 28-degree banking to promote pack racing on a 1.5-mile track.
• Atlanta is one of only a handful of tracks that has been completely reconfigured multiple times, with major changes in 1997 and 2022.
• The November race at Atlanta was the traditional NASCAR season finale from 1987 through 2000, hosting many championship-deciding moments.
• The speedway also features a quarter-mile drag strip and a 2.54-mile road course on the property.

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